I’m grateful that I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, when it was MUCH easier to have a real childhood–out playing in the yard or in the pool, reading books, or playing dolls, house, or school with my sisters.

No social media. No smart phones. I cannot imagine being a kid with all that garbage, and I’m not at all surprised kids these days are anxious, depressed, and miserable.

I was a junior in high school in 2001, when 9/11 changed everything. It truly is a different world since then. Everything is different, and most of the changes feel not for the better.

The world we have now is the world we have. Technology and medical advances have brought some good, but I often wonder at what cost.

I try not think about the state of the world too much, but it’s hard to ignore most times. So I’m grateful that I had a true childhood–innocent, safe, and carefree in many respects.

What are you thankful for today?